Fun for everyone is how you could describe this year’s annual Lone Star Rib Fest & Old Time Fiddling Contest held at Heartland Mall this Memorial Day weekend.
Friday, cowboy poet and singer Jim Kitchens performed. There was even a kids area with jump house, face painting and pony rides. Various vendors also set up during the festival, offering unique goods for sale.
Saturday morning started out with the Texas Championship Rib Burn-Off. The contestants entered with a monetary fee plus a brisket donation to the Pecan Valley Kiwanis Club as a fundraiser. The entrants began cooking Friday night and were judged on Saturday. There was a $5000 in prizes for the Rib Burn-Off. Cash prizes were given to the top 10 in each category. Heartland Mall Property Manager Charlotte Parrack stated, “We had 37 cookers compete today, the most ever in 15 years.”
Categories for the Rib Burn-Off were Baby Back Ribs, Spare Ribs and Country Style Ribs. They were judged based five criteria which included aroma, appearance, texture, taste and overall impression. Winners were as follows:
Machelle Wade, from Hillsboro, TX took Grand Champion with 26 points, winning an additional $650. Her winnings totaled $1345 out of the $5000 purse.
Ronnie Wade, from Hillsboro, TX took Reserve Grand Champion with 23 points, winning $500
Machelle Wade, from Hillsboro, TX took first place in Baby Back and Spare Ribs winning $600
Jason Hidalgo, from Lampasas, TX won first place in country style ribs winning $300
About noon Saturday, a crowd gathered to enjoy the Old Time Fiddling Contest, sanctioned by the Texas Old Time Fiddling Association. $2500 in prize money was awarded to the winners who were:
In the 0-12 age category: Noelly Nugent from Burleson took First. Jessica Sell from Aledo placed second and Sierra Knight from Seguin placed third.
In the 13-20 year old division: Mia Orosco from Lorena took first place. Isaac Stipp from Mansfield placed second and taking home third place was Harrison Schumann from San Antonio.
In the 21-45 age category: Brian Beken from Austin won first. Mark Seal from Houston placed second and winning third place was Julie Amundson from Austin.
In the 46-69 year old division: Bob Thomas from Granbury took home first place. Walter Hardin from Granbury won second and Mike Hester from Granbury placed third.
Taking home the Grand Prize Trophy was Brian Beken with Mia Orosco as runner up
Outside the United Free Style Bicycle Stunt Team performed three times Saturday. This professional stunt riders on 20 inch bicycles executed high flying extreme stunts for the crowd.
There were also over 300 flags, Tribute to America, placed at the front corner of Heartland Mall to commemorate lost loved ones and those who are currently serving in the military. Heartland Mall’s website has a message for us to remember “There are only two people who have died for us: Jesus for our souls and our soldiers for our freedom.” The public is encouraged to visit the flag display and remember and pray for our military and their families. Families can also use the flags for a photo opportunity.
Pecan Valley Kiwanis held a Brisket Sandwich sale as a fundraiser, staying all day serving delicious brisket sandwiches along with Brisket and ribs by the pound. 100% of the money earned goes back into the community to help kids.
Thanks to Heartland Mall for coordinating a great event for this Memorial Day weekend.
See photos from the event in our slideshow below.
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